A bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced a bill that would prevent any U.S. president from leaving NATO without the Senate’s approval. The bill, titled the “NATO Enabling Act of 2023,” would amend the North Atlantic Treaty to require the president to seek the advice and consent of the Senate before withdrawing from the alliance. It was first introduced in 2021 and was reintroduced on Wednesday as NATO leaders met in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The bill’s sponsors, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), argue that it is necessary to ensure the United States remains committed to NATO. They emphasize the importance of NATO as a vital alliance that has helped to keep the country safe for decades. The bill aims to give the American people, through their elected representatives in Congress, the power to decide on any decision to leave NATO.
The bill would also allow the Senate to block a withdrawal by passing a concurrent resolution of disapproval. While it has the support of prominent Republicans, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, it is likely to face opposition from some Republicans who believe that the president should have the authority to withdraw from NATO without the Senate’s approval.
The introduction of this bill comes at a critical time when NATO is facing new challenges from Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns about the alliance’s ability to deter Russian aggression. The bill’s sponsors argue that passing this legislation would send a strong signal to Russia that the United States remains committed to NATO.
Although the bill is still in its early stages, if it becomes law, it would be a significant victory for the alliance and those who believe that the United States should remain a strong and reliable partner in NATO.
